<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PHANTOM FIRST ROUND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PICK 1 Our pick: <\/strong>Harley Reid<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lock this one in. West Coast has warded off rival interest in pick one, with North Melbourne and Melbourne regarded as the closest and most persistent bidders. Reid, labelled a ‘generational talent’ needs no introduction and despite constant speculation, will happily jet off to Perth. It’s said Reid has his eyes on Ben Cousins<\/strong>‘ old number nine guernsey, with retired Nic Naitanui <\/strong>reportedly being flown over to Melbourne – potentially to present said jumper to the young star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 2 Our pick:<\/strong> Colby McKercher<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With consecutive picks atop the order, North would be well served to make their own live selection with pick two, who will receive a five-thousand dollar grant from the AFL. The Roos will claim to have taken the best available in their eyes, but that would more realistically be Suns Academy gun Jed Walter<\/a>. Instead, they bring in the gun Tasmanian first, before placing the inevitable bid and get back on the board with pick four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 3 Our pick:<\/strong> Jed Walter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If it doesn’t come at pick two, which is entirely warranted and would keep Gold Coast as accountable as possible, North Melbourne’s bid on Walter will come here. The powerhouse forward worked his way into the number one slot in some clubs’ eyes on the back of a remarkable National Championships, and is widely regarded as one of the best two players available. He’s a game-winning big man with modern day AFL traits, offering athleticism and aggression both in the air and across the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 4 Our pick:<\/strong> Daniel Curtin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the big point of difference. It seems utterly bizarre that North Melbourne would overlook Curtin in favour of another small midfielder and hybrid forward, but many understand that to be the likely scenario. With an outright need for key defensive quality, we have North Melbourne taking the West Australian utility who Roos coach Alastair Clarkson<\/em> <\/strong>is apparently infatuated with. Could this be the big draft day surprise? It makes sense from an outsider’s point of view, and will shape the rest of the top 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zane Duursma<\/strong> looks like being North Melbourne’s man here. The Gippsland Power forward and brother of Essendon’s Xavier<\/strong> has some of the best upside and natural footballing traits. That would mean Curtin slides down the order, either all the way to Geelong or as the catalyst for a live trade – Greater Western Sydney’s pick is the proposed destination, with West Coast heavily interested in the local talent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 5 Our pick:<\/strong> Zane Duursma<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Should North Melbourne pull one out of the bag and go with Curtin, Duursma falls to Hawthorn at pick five. The forward is a natural attacker and smooth mover across the ground, boasting one-touch marking ability and huge athletic upside. As a hybrid type, he can play deep or high, while also having the scope to develop his midfield craft down the line. The Hawks had plenty of interest in him and would likely not think twice at selecting the Gippsland Power gun if available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nick Watson<\/strong> is the player who has been heavily linked with Hawthorn’s first selection. The livewire forward was a target of the Western Bulldogs when they traded in for Gold Coast’s first-rounder, but the Hawks will cut in and take him should North Melbourne go the conventional route of picking McKercher and Duursma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 6 Our pick:<\/strong> Nick Watson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This would be the ideal scenario for the Bulldogs, who many believed traded up the order with Watson in their sights. The Eastern Ranges forward only measures up at 170cm, but packs a punch with his work at ground level and innate goal sense. Few prospects can lay claim to similarly freakish natural talent in this year’s crop, so Watson is understandably in demand. He would compliment fellow small Cody Weightman<\/strong> nicely, adding further firepower to the Dogs’ forwardline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The scenario pegged most is that Watson will be off the board here, likely to land at Hawthorn. That leaves Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders<\/a> ripe for the picking, as an heir apparent to someone like Tom Liberatore<\/strong> in the Bulldogs’ engine room. The Larke Medallist this year, Sanders is ultra consistent and offers the often unheralded team-first qualities that any side would love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 7 Our pick:<\/strong> Ethan Read<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this scenario, triggering the Suns’ hand for the second time within the first 10 picks is Melbourne. The Dees could do with some long-term ruck depth or a versatile key position player to shift the magnets around, and Read fits the bill. He’s also an athletic freak at 202cm, proving nimble and clean while also remaining prominent aerially. Again, Gold Coast won’t blink at matching the bid for Read, who is one of three Suns Academy guns expected to fall in the first round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne could be the club to trade with West Coast for Curtin if he slides past North Melbourne and Hawthorn, or take the West Australian themselves. This bid may not be in the Dees’ sights either, and perhaps drops down to the hands of Geelong to trigger a few picks later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 8 Our pick:<\/strong> Ryley Sanders<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n With the bid matched for Read, our hypothetical sees Melbourne snap up Sanders. He would otherwise be in the frame for the Western Bulldogs’ pick, but falls into the lap of Melbourne as further midfield depth. He’d accompany Clayton Oliver<\/strong> nicely on the inside and allow Christian Petracca<\/strong> to spend more time up forward, with his ball winning attributes just about second to none. The Dees may seek more outside qualities here, but Sanders would arguably be the best available talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eastern Ranges wingman Caleb Windsor<\/strong> is in contention here, with Melbourne needing some long-term cover for the all important outside role. The whole Curtin fandango also involves the Dees, who would consider either trading down or taking the 197cm utility. There is also interest in moving up the board to secure a talent like Watson, and no less Reid at pick one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 9 Our pick:<\/strong> James Leake<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A bolter out of Tasmania, Leake is well poised to be taken within the top 10 and GWS is the team seemingly most interested. The Giants have shown a tendency to take athletic and naturally talented prospects, boxes which Leake ticks emphatically. Having started the season down back, he ended up having extended stints up forward and through midfield for the Devils, with his upside proving undeniable for constant shifts up the order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Giants would consider key defender Connor O’Sullivan<\/strong> here, less so on a needs basis but more as a best available pick. He’s versatile enough to develop in other positions, too. Otherwise, Nate Caddy<\/strong> and Windsor – if available – would also be in the frame, and there would be a decision to make regarding Curtin. West Coast could tempt the Giants with a future first rounder for the West Australian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 10 Our pick:<\/strong> Nate Caddy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Geelong could do with some new blood in the key forward department and Caddy fits the bill, even as a third tall to accompany Tom Hawkins<\/strong> and Jeremy Cameron<\/strong>. He’s an aerial threat at 193cm, boasting an enormous reach and much improved running capacity. That’s not to mention his straightened goal kicking routine. The Northern Knights product is unlikely to make it much further than this point, and seems a nice fit for the Cats. They are well poised to land a slider otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That slider could well be Curtin. While live trades and the wealth of clubs picking beforehand are more than plausible destinations, the 197cm utility looks like being the one to slip down the order. It would be of massive benefit to Geelong, who could steal a player rated by many among the top half-dozen picks. Otherwise, O’Sullivan would be considered, as would a bid on Suns Academy member Jake Rogers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 11 Our pick:<\/strong> Caleb Windsor<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Essendon is in serious need of some speed, class and running power through midfield, so Windsor is the ideal pick. The flying wingman has unbelievable athletic traits in the form of speed and agility, but also runs hard to apply defensive pressure and uses the ball in incisive ways on the attack. He’d compliment an otherwise same-ish Bombers midfield group with his flair on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what goes down beforehand, Essendon could end up with Caddy and Windsor could already be off the board. In this scenario, O’Sullivan is the other big consideration while Darcy Wilson<\/strong> may pop up given his similar traits and role to Windsor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 12 Our pick:<\/strong> Connor O’Sullivan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adelaide will essentially take what’s left to them at pick 12, and that looks like being O’Sullivan. It’d be somewhat of a bargain given how highly he has been touted this year, claiming the Allies MVP award and All Australian honours. The Albury product will be in the frame for a number of clubs beforehand, but would be incredibly difficult for Adelaide to overlook on pure quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adelaide may be a club interested in trading up for Curtin, while O’Sullivan’s Murray Bushrangers teammate in Wilson has been heavily linked to the Crows. Again, it’s a matter of who remains available, but Leake could be in the hitting zone should he sneak into the teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 13 Our pick:<\/strong> Koltyn Tholstrup<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne is likely to take either Windsor, Curtin or even Sanders with its first pick, so a different type of player is in the offing here. Tholstrup has had plenty of work put into him by the Dees recently and will be in high demand with picks in the teens. He’s a real character both on and off the field, but most importantly, is high on effort and willing to play team roles as a powerful forward\/midfielder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what happens within the top 10, Melbourne may still look to move up the order. Otherwise, and again depending on what their first pick yields, the Dees could be interested in Wilson or look at the likes of Caddy and O’Sullivan if they somehow slip through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 14 Our pick:<\/strong> Jake Rogers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Bidney’ makes its return here an ensures Gold Coast is made to pay a pretty penny for its third academy star in Rogers. The diminutive midfielder warrants a bid in this range regardless and shot to prominence with his best afield outing in the second National Academy game. He’s a clean and evasive ball winner who hardly wastes a possession and also gets stuck in defensively. Size matters little here, he’s as well-rounded as anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The other scenario is that Sydney overlooks a bid here in favour of taking its first live selection. The order could change too, with Western Bulldogs father-son Jordan Croft<\/strong> also in a similar hitting zone (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 15 Our pick:<\/strong> Jordan Croft<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Bidney’ mark two. The Swans are known to get involved in the bidding process and ruffle a few feathers, so this is hardly out of the ordinary. It’s also highly likely that other clubs would consider a bid on Croft in this range given his raw talent and upside. The key forward is a terrific runner at 200cm and attacks the aerial ball with vigour, always providing a contest when hitting up at the ball. Western Bulldogs have done the groundwork to match a top 15 bid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sydney may not see it fit to bid on either Rogers or Croft, and could also swap the order of bids. The remaining scenarios are outlined below, with the Swans’ first live pick in our hypothetical draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 16 Our pick:<\/strong> Will Green<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A towering ruck who the Swans have rated highly all year, Green seems quite a natural fit here. The Northern Knights co-captain is said to have great mechanics for a player his size, demonstrated in his sound fundamentals and ability to cover ground. He is still improving his craft and impact around the ground, but has great scope for development on top of his already elite ruck craft and improvisational work at the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Could Sydney make two bids and trade out in shades of last year’s first round exploits? The Swans have made it clear that trading back for two of North Melbourne’s later first round selections is on the cards, so it may be an option they explore. Trading up the board seems unlikely, though others like Wilson and West Australian Under 18 skipper Riley Hardeman<\/a> may tempt Sydney here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 17 Our pick:<\/strong> Darcy Wilson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It seems bizarre that Wilson gets this far, but it’s entirely possible with the goings on up the order. The Murray Bushrangers midfielder-forward is a terrific athlete and smooth mover on the outside, able to rack up possessions and hit the scoreboard. He played in a variety of roles this season and came up clutch in a struggling Talent League side, doing very little wrong all the way through to an outstanding National Draft Combine performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n St Kilda has said the best available player is in its sights here, so Wilson is quite comfortably that. Local talent – from the Sandringham and Dandenong talent regions – is also a possibility and that puts Stingrays co-captain Harry DeMattia<\/strong> in the frame. The latter factor could also be addressed at the Saints’ next pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 18 Our pick:<\/strong> Will McCabe<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It makes sense that Adelaide is the team to bid on the most highly touted South Australian talent, it’s just a shame the Crows won’t have access to him. McCabe is a rare athlete at 197cm, boasting speed and agility like a rebound defender, but also thriving aerially with his reading of the play and attack on the ball. Hawthorn has done enough work to match a bid around the top 15-20 picks and will duly match for the father-son gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See below for Adelaide’s options with pick 18, should the Crows not decide to place a bid on McCabe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 19 Our pick:<\/strong> Charlie Edwards<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the great late-season bolters this year, Edwards started out as a half-back but found a home in Sandringham’s stacked, premiership winning midfield. He’s a taller type and has clean extraction quality, but can also dash through the corridor with deceptive pace and incision. Despite missing out on Vic Metro honours this year, Edwards proved his quality when it mattered and did his best work at the draft combine in the 2km time trial, clocking in at 6:24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adelaide has been linked with a variety of players in this range, no less Wilson. It would mean the Crows add some much needed midfield class and speed, while also being able to package Talent League teammates. Others in the range include DeMattia and Hardeman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 20 Our pick:<\/strong> Harry DeMattia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The word is that North Melbourne will target McKercher and Duursma before going tall with these picks or potentially moving up the order. In this scenario, having taken Curtin in a shock to all, DeMattia is a shrewd choice. The powerful utility played on all three lines this year and plays at high intensity, largely thanks to his explosive speed. If he gets to the Roos here, he’d be hard to pass up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Picks 19 and 20 are somewhat of a toss-up between Edwards and DeMattia. It was tempting to swap them around and see how the rest of the draft unfolded, but this looks plausible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 21 Our pick:<\/strong> Phoenix Gothard<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n GWS has leant towards energetic and agile smalls, so while perhaps a jump at pick 21, Gothard makes sense. The Allies representative plays with pizzazz and is creative with each possession, capable of taking the game on to allow others to score or hit the scoreboard himself. Along with Leake, another Allies squad member, he makes for a highly talented duo with high upside. Gothard will also be in high demand shortly down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Along the lines of the Giants’ recruiting tendencies, and lack of fear to pick a bolter, Tew Jiath<\/a> may come into consideration. The likes of Edwards, DeMattia and Hardeman could also be in the frame given their unique athletic blends and respective versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PICK 22 Our pick:<\/strong> Riley Hardeman<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This could be the pick where Hardeman finally falls, with interest strong in this range. The rebound defender is capable of setting up play with his run and raking left foot, but has added strings to his bow in the form of intercept marking. State captain this year, he may well be packaged up with a fellow West Australian at the Roos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What might happen:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Talls are said to be on the agenda with these picks for North Melbourne, though they could be traded in favour of a move up the order via Sydney. That being the case, perhaps Green is a player the Roos are after, otherwise another playmaking defender like Arie Schoenmaker <\/strong>could appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
West Coast<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Colby-McKercher-Allies-2023-AFL-U18s-1024x682.jpg\")
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Gold Coast (matching North Melbourne’s bid)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Jed-Walter-GCS-2023-CTL-1024x683.jpg\")
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North Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Dan-Curtin-1024x683.jpg\")
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Hawthorn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Zane-Duursma-GP-2023-CTL-1024x683.jpg\")
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Western Bulldogs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Nick-Watson-1024x683.jpg\")
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Gold Coast (matching Melbourne’s bid)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ethan-Read-GCS-2023-CTL-1024x683.jpg\")
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Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Allies-Ryley-Sanders-4-1024x683.jpg\")
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Greater Western Sydney<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/James-Leake-1024x683.jpg\")
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Geelong<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Nate-Caddy-1024x683.jpg\")
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Essendon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Caleb-Windsor-1024x683.jpg\")
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Adelaide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Connor-OSullivan-1024x683.jpg\")
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Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Koltyn-Tholstrup-1024x683.jpg\")
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Gold Coast (matching Sydney’s bid)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Jake-Rogers-1024x683.jpg\")
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Western Bulldogs (matching Sydney’s bid)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/VM18-Jordan-Croft-1024x683.jpg\")
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Sydney<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/VM18-Will-Green-1024x683.jpg\")
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St Kilda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/VC18-Darcy-Wilson-12-1024x683.jpg\")
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Hawthorn (matching Adelaide’s bid)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Will-McCabe-SA-2023-AFL-U18s-1024x683.jpg\")
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Adelaide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/SD-Charlie-Edwards-1024x683.jpg\")
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North Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Harry-DeMattia-1024x683.jpg\")
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Greater Western Sydney<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
North Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n